Epiphany Home Calendar Holidays Epiphany Epiphany Many Christians around the world annually celebrate Epiphany on January 6. It is a public holiday in many countries and marks two events in Jesus Christ’s life, according to the Christian Bible. The first event was when the three wise men, or kings, visited infant Jesus. The second event was when St John the Baptist baptized Jesus. The three wise men's (or kings') visit to baby Jesus Christ is remembered on Epiphany. The three wise men's (or kings') visit to baby Jesus Christ is remembered on Epiphany. ©iStockphoto.com/kim258 Celebrate Epiphany January 6, which is 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar, marks not only the end of the Christmas holidays but also the start of the Carnival season, which climaxes with Mardi Gras. In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In their roles as the kings, or wise men, they sing about the Jesus’ birth and pay homage to the “king of kings”. They are rewarded with praise and cookies.

Dia de los Reyes Magos is the Latin American celebration of Epiphany. In many Latin American countries, it is the three wise men and not Santa Claus who bring gifts for children. Children write letters to the wise men telling them how good they were and what gifts they want. In France Le Jour des Rois (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the Fête des Rois, is celebrated with parties for children and adults. The galette des rois, or “cake of kings”, highlights these celebrations. This cake is round and flat, cut into the pantry, covered with a white napkin and carried into a dining room. Children in Spain fill their shoes with straw or grain for the three kings’ horses to eat and place them on balconies or by the front door on Epiphany Eve. The next day they find cookies, sweets or gifts in their place. The “three kings” make an entry in many cities in Spain on Epiphany Eve, accompanied by military bands and drummers in medieval dress. What's Open or Closed?

Epiphany is a public holiday in countries such as Austria, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, Ethiopia (but on different date that varies annually), parts of Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, and Uruguay. It is not a public holiday in Australia , Canada , the United Kingdom and the United States (except the US Virgin Islands where it is a public holiday). About Epiphany Epiphany is commonly known as Three Kings’ Day or the Feast of the Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany refers not only to the day itself but to the church season that follows it – a season that has a varied length because it ends when Lent begins, and this depends on the date of Easter. It commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings (also known as wise men or Magi) visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany.

The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. Like other Christian seasons, the church appropriated Epiphany from an old pagan festival. As early as 1996 BCE, the Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice (which then occurred on January 6) with a tribute to Aeon, the Virgin. It is important to note that the holiday was established prior to the Gregorian calendar’s introduction. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. The star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: Gold (fit for a king). Frankincense (used to worship at a temple). Myrrh (used for embalming, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash).

Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white. Quick Facts Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated globally on January 6 each year. It commemorates two events recorded in the Bible: the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus; and Jesus’ baptism. Epiphany 2017 The Season of Epiphany The Season of Epiphany Dennis Bratcher In western Christian tradition, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany. It goes by other names in various church traditions. In Hispanic and Latin culture, as well as some places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings’ Day (Span: el Dia de los Tres Reyes, la Fiesta de Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Today, most of the Eastern Orthodox traditions follow the western church calendar.

The exceptions are some Greek Orthodox Churches and related traditions (for example, Russian and Serbian Orthodox) that still follow the older calendar and celebrate Epiphany as the Theophany on January 19th. -1- Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas , which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day. In following this older custom of counting the days beginning at sundown, the evening of January 5th is the Twelfth Night. This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA). In some church traditions, only the full days are counted so that January 5th is the Eleventh Day of Christmas, January 6th is the Twelfth Day, and the evening of January 6th is counted as the Twelfth Night.

In traditional Christian churches Christmas , as well as Easter , is celebrated as a period of time, a season of the church year, rather than just a day. The Season of the Church Year associated with Christmas actually begins with the first Sunday of Advent , four Sundays before Christmas Day. Advent is marked by expectation and anticipation in preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Christmas begins with Christmas Day December 25 and lasts for Twelve Days until Epiphany , January 6, which looks ahead to the mission of the church to the world in light of the Nativity. The one or two Sundays between Christmas Day and Epiphany are sometimes called Christmastide. For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6th until Ash Wednesday , which begins the season of Lent leading to Easter . Depending on the timing of Easter, this longer period of Epiphany includes from four to nine Sundays. Other traditions, especially the Roman Catholic tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as Ordinary Time . In some western traditions, the last Sunday of Epiphany is celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday.

The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King. In some Central and South American countries influenced by Catholic tradition, Three Kings’ Day, or the night before, is the time for opening Christmas presents. In some eastern churches, Epiphany or the Theophany commemorates Jesus’ baptism, with the visit of the Magi linked to Christmas. In some churches the day is celebrated as Christmas, with Epiphany/Theophany occurring on January 19th. Symbols of Epiphany The colors of Epiphany are usually the colors of Christmas, white and gold, the colors of celebration, newness, and hope that mark the most sacred days of the church year. In traditions that only observe a single day for Epiphany, the colors are often changed after Epiphany to the colors of Ordinary Time , usually green or thematic sanctuary colors, until Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent. The colors for Transfiguration Sunday are usually the colors of Holy Days, white and gold.

The traditional liturgical symbols of Epiphany are usually associated with the Magi. The symbols include either three crowns or a single crown, various portrayals of the Magi or Wise Men, three gifts, a five pointed star, or a combination of a star and crown. A more modern symbol of Epiphany is a globe or a stylized portrayal of the world. Around January 6, the symbol +C+M+B+ with two numbers before and two numbers after (for example, 20+C+M+B+17) is sometimes seen written in chalk above the doorway of Christian homes. The letters are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. These letters also abbreviate the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, "May Christ bless the house." The beginning and ending numbers are the year, 2017 in the example above. The crosses represent Christ. Marking the lintels of doorways is an old European practice that originally had overtones of magic (protection of the house). However, the symbols are now used throughout the world and usually represent a traditional Epiphany prayer and blessing.

A Blessing for the Marking of Doorways Leader: Peace be with this house and with all who live here. Response (All): And peace be with all who enter here. Leader: During these days of the Christmas season, we keep this Feast of Epiphany, celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Magi, and thereby to the whole world. Today, Christ is manifest to us! Today this home is a holy place because of the presence of Christ here. Leader: Listen to the Gospel according to Matthew. 2:1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2:2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 2:4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

2:5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 2:6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" 2:7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 2:8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 2:9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 2:10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 2:11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Leader: This is the word of the Lord to you. Response (All): Thanks be to God! Leader: O God, Lord of all that exists, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill each of us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Response (All): Amen Significance of Epiphany in the Church As with most aspects of the Christian liturgical calendar, Epiphany has theological significance as a teaching tool in the church. The Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the child Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as "King" and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ.

This act of worship by the Magi, which corresponded to Simeon’s blessing that this child Jesus would be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32), was one of the first indications that Jesus came for all people, of all nations, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few. The day is now observed as a time of focusing on the mission of the church in reaching others by "showing" Jesus as the Savior of all people. It is also a time of focusing on Christian community and fellowship, especially in healing the divisions of prejudice and bigotry that we all too often create between God’s children. An Epiphany Prayer Father, we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realize that it was not because of our own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because you loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus.

As you have accepted us when we did not deserve your love, will you help us to accept those whom we find it hard to love? Forgive us, O Lord, for any attitude that we harbor that on any level sees ourselves as better or more righteous than others. Will you help us to remove the barriers of prejudice and to tear down the walls of bigotry, religious or social? O Lord, help us realize that the walls that we erect for others only form our own prisons! Will you fill us so full of your love that there is no more room for intolerance. As you have forgiven us much, will you enable us with your strength to forgive others even more? Will you enable us through your abiding Presence among us, communally and individually, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear? May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people. We thank you for your love, praise you for your Gift, ask for your continued Presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart. Amen.

Read An Epiphany Devotional Notes 1. The differences between Western and Eastern traditions relating to when Christmas and Epiphany are celebrated is a complicated issue that cannot be covered adequately here. It is largely a matter of which calendar is used to calculate dates. Most of the world today uses the Gregorian calendar [external link], introduced in the 16th century as a means to correct a slight inaccuracy in the older Julian calendar. This inaccuracy of about 11 minutes a year resulted in an accumulated "drift" of dates in relation to the solar year. This means that "fixed" solar dates, for example the summer and winter solstice and the spring and autumn equinox, would fall on increasingly earlier dates. Of course this would also apply to religious festivals that fall on fixed dates, such as Christmas on December 25. The Gregorian calendar, which was approved by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, intended to correct the inaccuracy and stabilize this "drift" of dates. As a result it soon became the standard civil calendar throughout the world.

However, the Orthodox and Eastern churches continued to use the older Julian calendar as a religious calendar, which meant that religious holidays fell on different days in the Eastern and Western churches. However in 1923, a synod convened by the Ecumenical Patriarch Meletius IV of Constantinople adopted a Revised Julian Calendar [external link] for the daily feasts of the year. This revised calendar was, for all practical purposes, identical with the Gregorian calendar. This calendar has by now been adopted by the Orthodox Churches of Constantinople, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Antioch, Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, Estonia and the Orthodox Church of America, as well as by some parishes within the Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe. The churches of Russia, Serbia, Jerusalem, and Georgia, together with the other ancient churches of the East and some conservative groups in Greece, have not adopted it and continue to use the older Julian calendar. All Orthodox churches, however, continue to celebrate Pascha (Easter) following calculations made according to the Julian calendar.

The result of all this is that the Orthodox churches that follow the Revised Julian Calendar, which is functionally equivalent to the Western Gregorian calendar, celebrate Christmas on December 25, while those that follow the (unrevised) Julian Calendar celebrate it on January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar (which is actually December 25 in the unrevised Julian calendar). [ return to text ] -Dennis Bratcher, Copyright © 2017, Dennis Bratcher, All Rights Reserved The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ By Scott P. Richert Updated July 05, 2016. The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts, though, throughout the centuries, it has celebrated a variety of things. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning "to reveal," and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man. Quick Facts Date: January 6. (In most countries and dioceses, the celebration is transferred to the Sunday between January 2 and January 8, inclusive. See When Is Epiphany?

to find the date Epiphany is celebrated this year.) Type of Feast: Solemnity. (See Is Epiphany a Holy Day of Obligation? for more details.) Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 ( full text here ) Prayers: Collect for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (from the Mass of St. Pius V ): "O God, Who by the guidance of a star didst this day reveal Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may be so led as to behold with our eyes the beauty of Thy majesty. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost , God, world without end.

Amen." Other Names for the Feast: Theophany, Three Kings Day History of the Feast of the Epiphany Like many of the most ancient Christian feasts, Epiphany was first celebrated in the East, where it has been held from the beginning almost universally on January 6. Today, among both Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, the feast is known as Theophany—the revelation of God to man. Epiphany: A Fourfold Feast Epiphany originally celebrated four different events, in the following order of importance: the Baptism of the Lord ; Christ's first miracle, the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana; the Nativity of Christ ; and the visitation of the Wise Men or Magi.

Each of these is a revelation of God to man: At Christ's Baptism, the Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God the Father is heard, declaring that Jesus is His Son; at the wedding in Cana, the miracle reveals Christ's divinity; at the Nativity, the angels bear witness to Christ, and the shepherds, representing the people of Israel, bow down before Him; and at the visitation of the Magi, Christ's divinity is revealed to the Gentiles—the other nations of the earth. The End of Christmastide Eventually, the celebration of the Nativity was separated out, in the West, into Christmas ; and shortly thereafter, Western Christians adopted the Eastern feast of the Epiphany, still celebrating the Baptism, the first miracle, and the visit from the Wise Men. Thus, Epiphany came to mark the end of Christmastide—the Twelve Days of Christmas (celebrated in the song), which began with the revelation of Christ to Israel in His Birth and ended with the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles at Epiphany.

Over the centuries, the various celebrations were further separated in the West, and now the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the Sunday after January 6, and the wedding at Cana is commemorated on the Sunday after the Baptism of the Lord. Epiphany Customs In many parts of Europe, the celebration of Epiphany is at least as important as the celebration of Christmas. While in England and her historical colonies, the custom has long been to give gifts on Christmas Day itself, in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, Christians exchange gifts on Epiphany—the day on which the Wise Men brought their gifts to the Christ Child. In Northern Europe, the two traditions have often been combined, with gift-giving on both Christmas and Epiphany (often with smaller gifts on each of the twelve days of Christmas in between). (In the past, though, the main gift-giving day in both Northern and Eastern Europe was usually the feast of Saint Nicholas .) And in the United States in recent years, some Catholics have tried to revive the fullness of Christmastide.

Our family, for instance, opens gifts "from Santa" on Christmas Day, and then, on each of the 12 days of Christmas, the children receive one small gift, before we open all of our gifts to one another on Epiphany (after attending Mass for the feast). Epiphany | Define Epiphany at Dictionary.com epiphany noun, plural epiphanies. 1. (initial capital letter) a Christian festival, observed on January 6, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi; Twelfth-day. 2. an appearance or manifestation, especially of a deity. 3. a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. 4. a literary work or section of a work presenting, usually symbolically, such a moment of revelation and insight.

Origin of epiphany Late Greek 1275-1325 1275-1325; Middle English epiphanie < Late Latin epiphanīa < Late Greek epipháneia, Greek: apparition, equivalent to epi- epi- + phan- (stem of phaínein to appear) + -eia -y 3 Related forms [ep-uh-fan-ik] /ˌɛp əˈfæn ɪk/ (Show IPA), epiphanous, adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for epiphany Expand Contemporary Examples Many recall Maupassant or O. Henry in the way they conclude with an old-fashioned twist or epiphany. The White Company Arthur Conan Doyle Thus mirrored, they are transformed and converted into his camp of renewal and clean promises by this epiphany. British Dictionary definitions for epiphany Expand the manifestation of a supernatural or divine reality 2.

any moment of great or sudden revelation Derived Forms C17: via Church Latin from Greek epiphaneia an appearing, from epi- + phainein to show Epiphany noun (pl) -nies 1. a Christian festival held on Jan 6, commemorating, in the Western Church, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and, in the Eastern Church, the baptism of Christ Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for epiphany Expand n. early 14c., "festival of the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles" (celebrated Jan.

6; usually with a capital -E-), from Old French epiphanie, from Late Latin epiphania, neuter plural (taken as feminine singular), from late Greek epiphaneia "manifestation, striking appearance" (in New Testament, "advent or manifestation of Christ"), from epiphanes "manifest, conspicuous," from epiphainein "to manifest, display," from epi "on, to" (see epi- ) + phainein "to show" (see phantasm ). Of divine beings other than Christ, first recorded 1660s; general literary sense of "any manifestation or revelation" appeared 1840, first in De Quincey.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Epiphany The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles January 6th Having valiantly bucked the culture and kept the Christmas feasting going for a full twelve days, it would be easy, at last, to give in and to move on, back to "the old dispensation,", "the moderate Aristotelian city." And yet, having come so far, wouldn't it be unfortunate simply to resume the standard routines of our lives as if nothing had changed? Have we indeed "seen the actual Vision and failed/ To do more than entertain it as an agreeable Possibility," rather than as the one thing that really does matter? When the Twelve Days of Christmas are over, the Church does not go into hibernation. Indeed, what comes next gives us an opportunity to move from the private ponderings of blessed Mary and the wonder and praise of the shepherds to a closer consideration of the public meaning and proper response to all that we have seen and heard. We must not be at ease, and the Church is not at ease, for the Twelve Days end with the Eve of another Feast, the Epiphany.

"Epiphany" means "manifestation." The full title of this feast that begins a new season of the Church Year is, "The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles." The Epiphany season, which extends from January 6th through Shrove Tuesday, highlights various occasions when Jesus was manifested to both Jews and Gentiles. To begin with, we will focus on the very first manifestation to the Gentiles, when wise men from the East came to visit the infant Child in Bethlehem. The Wise Men Tradition says that there were three wise men, or "magi," who came from the East, following a star and seeking the newborn King of the Jews. In fact, St. Matthew says nothing about the number of visitors. The number three seems to derive from the gifts they brought, which were three in number: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men are also called "kings" because of a reference in the Psalms: The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall give presents; the kings of Arabia and Saba shall bring gifts. (Ps. 72:10) In the course of time, they acquired names.

In the West they became known as Caspar (or Gaspard or Jasper), Melchior, and Balthazar, and other Christian traditions have also found names for them. While much has been written about who they were and what prompted them to make the journey to see Jesus, all of that seems to us to miss the point. Whether there were three of them or a hundred and three, and whether we know their names or not, the story of their journey is not about them, for their principal role is to point to Jesus, to make others aware of him, and who he is. Even they do not fully understand this. On the one hand, they bring gifts of mystical meaning that manifest the character and saving work of Jesus. On the other hand, in their desire to fulfill their quest, they seem oblivious to the potentially dangerous consequences of their very public inquiries. By alerting the jealous King Herod to the birth of a rival king, they place the life of Jesus and of every other innocent young boy of Bethlehem in jeopardy. In the end, Jesus escapes the wrath of the tyrant, but the other boys do not. Nevertheless, the wise men have a role to play, and this they do.

Thanks to them, from the very beginning of the story we know that, no matter how humble his apparent origins, this Jesus is no local hero, but the universal Savior, destined to be known and worshiped throughout the world, and to bring salvation to all people. Like all major feasts, the celebration of Epiphany begins on its eve, which is also Twelfth Night, the end of the celebration of Christmas. Click here for some ideas about the segue from Christmas to Epiphany on Twelfth Night. Christmas and Epiphany share the custom of giving gifts. In fact, in many countries, gifts are given on Epiphany, not Christmas. Of course, both are appropriate. On Christmas, God the Father gave us the unimaginably great gift of his only Son, and we honor that gift by giving gifts to one another. On Epiphany, the wise men gave gifts to the Holy Child. We honor the Christ in one another by giving gifts--but we must remember that giving gifts to one another is not really the point. As Christina Rosetti puts it in her hymn, "In the bleak midwinter," What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give him-- Give my heart. Epiphany has many customs all its own so, W.H. Auden notwithstanding, the season of celebration is not in any way finished when the revels of Twelfth Night are over. St. Matthew tells us that when the wise men arrived in Bethlehem to visit Jesus, they found him and his mother in a house, not the stable where they had found their first temporary shelter. This is a cue to us that our Epiphany celebration should focus on our own houses and it is a very old custom to bless houses on Epiphany. In the East, in particular, it is the custom for the parish priest to go through the parish blessing houses. This is not the elaborate blessing of a new home, but a special blessing that is also often given at Easter, a renewal of the homes in which the people of God dwell and live out the mystery of faith day by day. In recent years, this custom has been revived in some places in the West. The Book of Occasional Services of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. provides forms for this blessing.

However, there is another way of blessing homes at Epiphany that begins in church, but does not require the priest to go from house to house--something that would be quite impossible in many non-geographical parishes in the modern world. This custom involves chalk that is blessed by the priest and taken home by families to mark the doors of their homes. The Blessing of Chalk Priest: Our help is in the Name of the Lord. People: The maker of heaven and earth. Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Priest: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, this chalk that it may be an effective sign of your blessing upon the homes of your people. Watch over our going out and our coming in and grant that the love of Christ and the wonder of his grace may be bestowed on every inhabitant and every guest. We pray that, like the wise men of old, we may serve him as our only King, worship him as the one true God, and honor him with lives of sacrifice and praise, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Hallowing of Homes The blessing of the house begins with all members of the household standing outside of the main entrance of the home. It is not necessary for a priest to perform this blessing. Rather, the head of the household is usual, though any member of the household may be designated. In some families, the person who finds the bean or token in the Twelfth Cake or the King Cake has the privilege of presiding at this blessing. Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Send your blessing, O Lord, upon this house and on all who shelter under its roof. Inspire us as you inspired the wise men of old who sought your Son: give us courage on the journey, discernment to find the right way, and whatever we may need to complete the tasks to which he calls us. And, at the last, may we find our rest and fulfilment in his presence in the home he has prepared for us in your heavenly kingdom, where he now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

If water has also been blessed at church (see below), it is appropriate to go through the house sprinkling each room with it. Incense could also be used. It would be appropriate to sing a hymn while this is being done. The familiar carol, "We three kings of Orient are," would be a good, and very Anglican choice (see below). In some churches, gold, frankincense, and myrrh are blessed on this day. With or without these symbolic gifts, the house blessing should end at the family crï¿½che with the collect for the feast. O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The text and tune for " We three kings " were written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., son of the first Bishop of Vermont and the first instructor in church music at the General Theological Seminary in New York.

While he never married, he was uncle to a large brood of nephews and nieces, and they expected him to bring a new hymn to the family Christmas gatherings each year at the bishop's house at Rock Point, in Burlington, Vermont. Several of these survive in various publications, including "Gather around the Christmas Tree," which is found here . Sources say that "We three kings" was written for a pageant Hopkins helped to stage at the seminary. In the text, as originally set out by Hopkins, the kings were each assigned a different line in the music: Gaspard the treble, Melchior the alto, and Balthazar the bass. An Epiphany Tableau Christmas pageants have been popular since St. Francis of Assisi introduced them in Greccio in 1223. In fact, the first pageant was really a tableau, and it was enacted by adults, not children, as is generally the case today. While children's pageants are often quite lovely, we do wonder if all of the stress that goes into learning the choreography and a few lines of dialogue is the best way for children to gain a real appreciation for the story itself or its meaning.

We are reminded of the story of the little boy who became quite frustrated when the flowing robes of the angels covered up the marks on the floor that indicated where each child was to stand. In exasperation, he turned to the teacher who was standing in the wings and announced, "These damned angels are fouling up the whole show." Is it the story or the show that is most important? And how can we make sure that the right things gets priority? We are inclined to think that children might enjoy the "show" and appreciate the story more if they are allowed to watch it, rather than to be it--and we suspect that the same may be true for their parents, as well. We have found that a tableau enacting the Gospel of the Epiphany as it is read at the Eucharist can be quite effective. Ours works like this: The Holy Family takes its place at one side of the Altar, Herod and the Angel at the other side. The Three Kings, led by the Star enter the church, singing the first verse of "We three kings" as they move slowly towards Herod. The congregation joins in the refrain of the hymn.

The Deacon then announces: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Deacon: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, (The kings and Herod pantomime. The Star is turned away.) "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, (Herod moves toward the congregation) he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'" (Herod is alarmed, and goes back to the kings.) Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." (The Star is turned back toward the people.) When they had heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. (The Star leads the kings around the church to the Holy Family. Each king sings his verse of the hymn.) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (After opening their gifts, they retire to three chairs and fall asleep. An angel awakens them.) And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (The kings exit. The Star is left on a standard next to the Holy Family.) The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. All sing the final verse of the hymn. The Holy Family stays in place until the Offertory gifts are presented before them. They then exit. King's Cake The best-known food tradition on Epiphany is King's Cake (or King Cake). Actually, there are competing cake traditions. On Twelfth Night, Twelfth Cake, baked with a bean and a pea, is used to determine who will be king and queen of the revels. On Epiphany, King's Cake, is also baked with a token (a bean, or a coin, or another symbol). In some places, the token determines who will be king or queen for the day and be honored by everyone.

In other places, the finder of the token wins the responsibility of hosting the Candlemas party. Catholic Culture tells about a particular English version (with recipe) of Twelfth Cake here . Fish Eaters has a recipe for Three Kings Cake here . In To Dance with God, Gertrud Mueller Nelson suggests a modern variation on the King's Cake tradition. In her household, a favorite cake recipe is used and a bean is placed in the dough before baking. The cake is served as dessert on Epiphany and the person who finds the bean becomes king or queen for the next 24 hours. That person is allowed to make rules to be followed in that period of time and is crowned and robed and paid special honor throughout the period he or she reigns. However, that king or queen also has a responsibility and must give a short talk on the lessons we can learn from the three kings and their quest to find the infant Jesus. The Baptism of our Lord The manifestation to the wise men is only the first of the events that are celebrated in the season of Epiphany.

In the Orthodox churches, the wise men are remembered on Christmas and January 6th, known as Theophany, is a celebration of the second great manifestation of the Messiah, the Baptism of Jesus by his cousin John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This event is generally celebrated in the West on the first Sunday after Epiphany, that is, on the first Sunday in the season of Epiphany that stretches from January 6th until Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent. The Baptism of our Lord introduces another important symbol to the celebration, water. At his Baptism, Jesus is revealed to the world as the promised Messiah, the beloved Son of God, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, of the same Being, or Substance, as the Father and the Holy Spirit. At our Baptism, we are illumined by the Holy Spirit and made one with Christ, to share his divinity even as he shares our humanity. In the West, the principal custom relating to this aspect of the feast is the blessing of water. The blessing is performed on the Feast of the Epiphany. It may be part of the rite of Holy Baptism which has been administered on this day since the fourth century.

However, water may be blessed whether or not there are baptisms and the water may be taken by the faithful to be used at home for the blessing of the home with chalk. In the East, the blessing of water is often accompanied by other customs. Frequently, the blessing is performed at a river or on a seacoast. In tsarist times in St. Petersburg, the blessing took place at the River Neva opposite the Winter Palace and was attended by the royal family. In Orthodox countries, some of the faithful immerse themselves in the blessed water as an act of devotion. In Greece, a cross is thrown into the water and boys and men dive into the water to retrieve it. The person who retrieves the cross is said to have good luck in the coming year. The traditional blessing of water is based on a prayer written by Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem in the seventh century. Since Baptism is the principal idea behind the custom of blessing water on Epiphany, the Thanksgiving over the Water in the baptismal rite of the Prayer Book would serve quite well for the blessing and it is entirely appropriate to bless the water in the Font. If there happen to be baptisms, all the better.

The water may be drained from the Font and distributed to be taken home by the faithful. Other Epiphanytide Themes Two other manifestations are especially prominent in Epiphanytide: the Wedding at Cana and the Transfiguration. The miracle of changing water into wine is recorded in John 2 as the first of the signs which Jesus performed, manifesting his glory. This miracle is traditionally commemorated on one of the Sundays after Epiphany in many churches. In addition to the celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6th, the Transfiguration of our Lord was also commemorated in the Latin rite on the second Sunday in Lent. In that context the emphasis is on the conversation of Jesus with Moses and Elijah about his coming Passion. In some modern Anglican Prayer Books, such as the American Book, the last Sunday after Epiphany commemorates the Transfiguration, with the heavenly voice heard on the mountain echoing the voice heard at the Baptism of Jesus proclaiming him to be the Son of God, and pointing forward the greatest manifestation in the Paschal mystery.

Epiphany in the United States Home Calendar Holidays the United States Epiphany Epiphany in the United States Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States, is on January 6. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism, according to the Christian Bible’s events. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. Many Christians in the United States remember the three wise men's (or kings' ) visit to infant Jesus on Epiphany. Many Christians in the United States remember the three wise men's (or kings' ) visit to infant Jesus on Epiphany. ©iStockphoto.com/Jim Jurica What Do People Do? People from the US Virgin Islands celebrate Three Kings’ Day to emphasize and maintain their heritage and culture, especially on the island of St Croix where the day features parades, bands, food, music, and other types of entertainment.

Although it is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as: Star processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services Parties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations. Treasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child. Epiphany luncheons, parties and celebrations among churchgoers. And Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. Epiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It is customary to bake king cakes during this time of the year. These cakes may include a small trinket (such as a baby doll) inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket receives various privileges or obligations. For example, they may be requested to provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as “king cake season”. Public Life Epiphany is a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands so shops, government offices and businesses are closed. Some businesses may close early the day before the holiday.

It is not a federal public holiday in the rest of the United States. Background Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day. It commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles.

The star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: gold (fit for a king); frankincense (used to worship at a temple); and myrrh (used for embalming, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Other paintings depict the story of Jesus’ baptism. Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white. Epiphany, the Feast of The Three Kings -- Christmas Customs and Traditions -- whychristmas?com Epiphany, the Feast of The Three Kings The Adoration of the Magi by Giotto [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January (or January 19th for some Orthodox Church who have Christmas on 7th January) and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus . Epiphany is also when some Churches remember when Jesus was Baptised, when he was about 30, and started to teach people about God.

Epiphany means 'revelation' and both the visit of the Wise Men and his Baptism are important times when Jesus was 'revealed' to be very important. Some Churches celebrate use Epiphany to celebrate and remember both the visit of the Wise Men and Jesus's Baptism! Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. It's a big and important festival in Spain , where it's also known as 'The festival of the three Magic Kings' - 'Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages', and is when Spanish and some other Catholic children receive their presents - as they are delivered by the Three Kings! In Spain on Epiphany morning you might go to the local bakers and buy a special cake/pastry called a 'Roscón' (meaning a ring shaped roll). They are normally filled with cream or chocolate and is decorated with a paper crown. These are normally a figure of a king (if you find that you can wear the crown) and a dried bean (if you find that you're meant to pay for the cake!). In Catalonia it's known as a Tortell or Gâteau des Rois and is stuffed with marzipan.

A Tortell Pastry from the Catalan region In France you might eat a 'Galette des Rois', a type of flat almond cake. It has a toy crown cooked inside it and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. There are similar traditions in Mexico where Epiphany is known as 'El Dia de los Reyes' (the day of The Three Kings). It's traditional to eat a special cake called 'Rosca de Reyes' (Three Kings Cake). A figure of Baby Jesus is hidden inside the cake. Whoever has the baby Jesus in their piece of cake is the 'Godparent' of Jesus for that year. In Italy, some children also get their presents on Epiphany. But they believe that an old lady called 'Befana' brings them. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. In Austria , at Epiphany, some people write a special sign in chalk over their front door. It's a reminder of the Wise Men that visited the baby Jesus. It's made from the year split in two with initials of the names that are sometimes given to 'the three wise men', Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, in the middle.

So 2014 would be: 20*C*M*B*14. The sign is meant to protect the house for the coming year. Some parts of Germany also have the tradition of marking over doors. The 'Four Hills' Ski Jumping Tournament also finishes on 6th January in Bischofshofen, Austria. At Epiphany in Belgium, children dress up as the three wise men and go from door to door to sing songs and people give them money or sweets, kind of like Trick or Treating on Halloween. Children in Poland also go out singing on Epiphany. In Ireland , Epiphany is also called 'Nollaig na mBean' or Women's Christmas. Traditionally the women get the day off and men do the housework and cooking! It is becoming more popular and many Irish women now get together on the Sunday nearest Epiphany and have tea and cakes! In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (which celebrates Christmas on 7th January), twelve days after Christmas, on 19th January, the three day celebration of Ethiopians Timkat starts. This celebrates Jesus's baptism.

Epiphany Eve (also known as Twelfth Night ) marks the end of the traditional Christmas celebrations and is the time when you were meant to take Christmas decorations down - although some people leave them up until Candlemas . Epiphany in Poland Epiphany in Poland Quick Facts Epiphany, also known as the Procession of the Three Kings, is annually celebrated as a public holiday in Poland on January 6. Local names Many people in Poland celebrate Epiphany (Trzech Króli), an annual national holiday on January 6, to mark when the three wise men, or kings, visited baby Jesus. A street procession celebrates Epiphany in a city in Poland. A street procession celebrates Epiphany in a city in Poland. ©iStockphoto.com/Madzia71 What Do People Do? Epiphany is a big celebration in many places in Poland, featuring street parades, caroling of songs, and reenactments of the Nativity scene. The street parades usually involve a procession of the 3 wise men who give people candy and small treats in some towns and cities. Local parish priests preach about the significance of Epiphany and many houses are blessed.

Some people place above their doors 3 small boxes, each containing water, incense, and chalk in memory of the wise kings’ gifts to Jesus. Public Life Epiphany is a national public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules. Background Epiphany is a Christian feast that commemorates both the three wise kings’ visit to infant Jesus as well as Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Epiphany was a holiday that was cancelled during the Communist regime in Poland, but it was restored as an official public holiday across the country in 2011. It is celebrated in many other countries worldwide . Symbols The 3 boxes containing water, incense and chalk are usually marked with the letters K, M, and B and crosses after each letter to symbolize the three kings – Kacper, Melchior and Baltazar – who visited Jesus. About Epiphany in other countries Read more about Epiphany .

Holidays: Epiphany in United States Current location: Home page > Calendar > Holidays > Epiphany in United States Epiphany in United States Quick Facts Many people in the United States annually observe Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, on January 6. It is a Christian observance and a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands. Local names See list of observations below Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States, is on January 6. It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism, according to the Christian Bible’s events. The United States (US) Virgin Islands observe the day as a public holiday. Many Christians in the United States remember the three wise men's (or kings' ) visit to infant Jesus on Epiphany. ©iStockphoto.com/Jim Jurica What do people do? People from the US Virgin Islands celebrate Three Kings’ Day to emphasis and maintain their Latin American heritage and culture, especially on the island of St Croix where the day features parades, bands, food, music, and other types of entertainment.

Although it is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as: Star processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services Parties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations. Treasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child. Epiphany luncheons, parties and celebrations among churchgoers. And Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. Epiphany marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It is customary to bake king cakes during this time of the year. These cakes may include a small trinket (such as a baby doll) inside. The person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket receives various privileges or obligations. For example, they may be requested to provide the next king cake. The interval between Epiphany and Mardi Gras is sometimes known as “king cake season”. Public life Epiphany is a public holiday in the US Virgin Islands so shops, government offices and businesses are closed. Some businesses may close early the day before the holiday.

It is not a federal public holiday in the rest of the United States. Background Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day. It commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles.

The star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: gold (fit for a king); frankincense (used to worship at a temple); and myrrh (used for embalming, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Other paintings depict the story of Jesus’ baptism. Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white. About Epiphany in other countries Read more about Epiphany . Holidays: Epiphany in Australia Current location: Home page > Calendar > Holidays > Epiphany in Australia Epiphany in Australia Many people in countries such as Australia annually observe Epiphany on January 6. Name See list of observations below Epiphany is a Christian observance in countries such as Australia on January 6 each year. It commemorates the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth, as told in the Christian bible. This feast is also known as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Various artwork relating to Epiphany often show the three wise men (or kings).

©iStockphoto.com/kim258 What do people do? Many churches, particularly Catholic churches, in Australia have special Epiphany services on or around January 6 each year. Many Epiphany church services focus on the three wise men’s (or kings’) visit to Jesus after his birth. However, many churches also focus on the theme of Jesus’ baptism, in which Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John the Baptist. Some churches may have social gatherings, including morning teas, after an Epiphany church service. Epiphany falls within the Australian school summer vacation period so it is a time for many families to go on vacation either interstate, at a beachside, or overseas. Epiphany occurs in January, which is one of the hottest months of the year in Australia. Public life Epiphany is not a nationwide public holiday in Australia. However, this observance falls in the school vacation period in Australia so schools throughout the country are closed on January 6. Background Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan.

The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism. Symbols Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some paintings artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles. The star that guides the wise men to Christ also symbolizes Epiphany, as well as the three gifts they gave to Jesus: Gold (fit for a king). Frankincense (used to worship at a temple). Myrrh (used for embalming, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash). Many Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical color for the Epiphany season is white. Some churches and church-run children’s groups in Australia are named after the Feast of Epiphany. About Epiphany in other countries Read more about Epiphany .

Question: Epiphany is known by what other name in some countries?
Answer: Three Kings Day